Delhi, the capital city of India is an inextricable blend of socio-religious, psycho-technological, juro-idelogical and politico-historical centres. And when it comes to history, the beauty of Delhi is unmatched.
In this series of tracing down the historical masterpieces of Delhi, we at Treasure Trip India, would take you down the lane and help you reconnect with your past.
The first monument that we seek to rediscover, remember and relish is none other than the Humayun’s Tomb.
HISTORY OF HUMANYUN’S TOMB
Built 60 years before the Taj Mahal, the monument echoes the same sentiment of love for the deceased. The former was built by a husband in the fond memory of his wife and to date is like a tear of the cheek of time. Whereas the latter was built by a wife to commemorate her husband whom she loved wholeheartedly. It is believed that the Persian – first wife of Humayun- Haji Begum spent her days after Humayun’s death mapping out the construction of the tomb. She got inspired by the Islamic ways of designing prevalent at that time and came up with the perfect roadmap to see her dreamland of love manifest into reality. She chose some of the best Persian architects to construct the tomb. Additionally, Haji Begum roped in Mirak Mirza Ghiyas from Herat in Afghanistan to give shape to the exquisite designs she had in mind for her husband’s mausoleum. However, the final structure was completed by Ghiyas’ son, Sayyed Muhammad ibn Mirak Ghiyathuddin after his sudden demise. Finally, nine years after the death of the emperor in 1565 the making of one of the largest red sandstone structures of that time began and got completed in 1572 AD. A mixture of red sandstone and white marble on the dome-shaped facade is a hallmark of this mausoleum, which appears to float in the air from a distance. Not surprisingly, the large structures, Islamic geometry, restrained decorations and symmetrical gardens are said to be the inspiration for the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Located in the Nizamuddin East district of New Delhi, Haji Begam chose not only the Persian architect who built the monument but also the location. Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the banks of the Yamuna River, near the popular Sufi St. Nizamuddin Auliya’s Dargah. The size of Humayun’s Tomb is believed to depart from the humble mausoleum of his father, the first Mughal emperor Babur in Kabul. The sheer scale of Humayun’s tomb is considered a departure from his father, the first Mughal Emperor Babur’s modest mausoleum in Kabul. Although, it was with Babur that the trend of garden mausoleum or the Persian Charbagh took root, and got enhanced with every passing generation.
Other monuments in the Humayun’s Tomb Complex
Isla Khan Tombs and Mosques: Entering from the west, there are several monuments on either side of the road leading to the main tombs. The most important of many is the complex of the tombs of Isla Khan an Afghan noble in the court of Sher Shah Suri. The complex was built during the reign of Islam Shah Suri, the son of Sher Shah Suri, and houses the tombs of the entire Ether Khan family.
Nila Gumbad: Just outside the complex boundaries is Nila Gumbad, named after its bright blue glass tiles. It was built by the son of a courier for one of his favourite servants, Miyan Fahim, in the court of Emperor Akbar of the Mughal Empire. The tomb is famous for its architecture, with an octagonal exterior and, interestingly, a square interior decorated with plastered walls.
Chillah Nizamuddin Auliya: At the north-eastern end of the main mausoleum, this building is a prime example of Tughlaq-era architecture and is believed to be the residence of Nizamuddin Auliya, the patron saint of Delhi.
Barber’s Tomb: Surrounded by Charbagh, Naika Gumbad or Barber’s Tomb is at the southeastern end. Built-in 159091 AD, this tomb belongs to a royal barber in the court of Humayun.
Humayun’s Tomb Timings
Humayun’s Tomb visiting hours are between sunrise and sunset.
Humayun’s Tomb Address
Mathura Road, Opposite Nizamuddin Dargah, New Delhi – 110013
Humayun’s Tomb Opening Days
Humayun’s Tomb is open on all days of the week.
How to Reach Humayun’s Tomb
Nearest metro station to Humayun’s Tomb:
JLN Stadium on the Purple Line is the closest metro station to the Humayun’s Tomb, being only 2 kilometres away. The next nearest is the Jorbagh metro station on the Yellow Line, which is about 5 kilometres from Humayun’s Tomb.
Nearest Bus Stand to Humayun’s Tomb:
Buses operated by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) ply through the city with stops at strategic points. For your ride to Humayun’s Tomb, you can either take bus number 447, 19, 966B and 166.
Nearest Railway Station to Humayun’s Tomb:
Nizamuddin Railway Station at about 2.2 kilometres is the closest railway station to the Humayun’s Tomb.
Nearest Airport to Humayun’s Tomb:
The Indira Gandhi International Airport is the airport that serves Delhi with both domestic and international operations. It is about 25 kilometres from Humayun’s Tomb.
Humayun’s Tomb Ticket Booking
Humayun’s Tomb entry ticket for Indian travellers is INR 35. For visitors from BIMSTEC and SAARC nations, the Humayun’s Tomb entry ticket price stays the same at INR 35 each. However, if you are an international visitor, the Humayun’s Tomb ticket price is INR 550. The entry is free for children under the age of 15.
Humayun’s Tomb Tickets Online
In order to book a Humayun’s Tomb online ticket, you can simply open Yatra’s Monuments of India section, search the monument of your choice, add it to your cart, enter your card details and proceed to make the payment. Subsequently, you will get your confirmed Humayun’s Tomb ticket.
Best Time to visit the monument
Mid-October to Mid-March is the best time to explore the city and by virtue of it also the Humayun’s Tomb. At this time the city is in the festivity mood of the approaching Diwali and Christmas season. There are a number of open food festivals organized in and around Dilli Haat INA and Chanakyapuri. Even for non-veg lovers Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk and Ghalib’s at Nizamuddin are ideal spots.
Therefore, Humayun’s tomb is an ideal place to understand the beauty of Persian architecture intricated evenly with Indian style and spirit.